Shopping for art supplies and books is one of the best things about being an artist but it can also be overwhelming if you haven't figured out your favorites yet. Below is a list of sketching supplies that I love and recommend. You can click on any item listed to go to a link on Amazon.com.
Sketchbooks
I have really fallen in love with the Stillman & Birn sketchbooks. They come in various categories and sizes. I prefer the:
Alpha (which contains mixed media paper)
Beta (contains cold press watercolor paper)
and the Zeta (contains hot press watercolor paper)
I like them about 8.25 x 11.75 or bigger but if you prefer smaller, get those instead!
Pens
Waterproof ink pens in black ink, in various sizes. Many brands claim to be waterproof but end up smearing and ghosting ink when we paint over them so I prefer the Black, Pigma Micron Pens which are truly waterproof. It's good to have a variety of pen sizes for various weights of line. I like the:
Black, Pigma Micron Pen 01/.25mm
Black, Pigma Micron Pen 05/.45mm
Black, Pigma Micron Pen 08/.50mm
My all time favorite pen though is the Platinum Desk Pen. Get some extra ink cartridges for it.
Watercolor travel palette
There are a lot of options out there. Below are some of my favorites with a great range in prices.
I recommend Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Box 12-color Half Pan as a starter set. If you are not sure how much you will enjoy sketch booking and don't want to spend much, this set is one of the best for a student level watercolor set.
If you are feeling a bit more luxurious, there are several professional grade kits that are just wonderful. Here are some of my favorites.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Deluxe Sketchers' Pocket Box
L'Aquarelle Sennelier French Artists Watercolor Metal 12 Half-Pan Set
Schmincke Half Pan Watercolor Pocket Set
All these travel palettes are smaller and perfect for sketch booking. If you prefer larger palettes, with more than 12 colors, those are great too. Some people like to keep their sketchbook supplies, small and light so it really is just a personal choice.
Watercolor Brushes
I recommend having at least three travel brushes of various sizes. It’s important that they are travel brushes (they will have caps on them so that they don’t get ruined when you put them in your bag).
A affordable and convenient option is the Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3. These brushes can be filled with water and are quite convenient.
On the high end side of options I recommend the wonderful da Vinci travel brushes set. They are a joy to paint with.
Other incidentals for a good sketchbook set are:
A water container (like an empty yogurt container or something more artsy like this Art Advantage Double Water Cup With Lid or this fun little clip on container.
Paper towels
Mechanical pencil (so you don't have to worry about a sharpener)
A ruler (preferably clear)
A little bag to keep all your pens, pencil, erasers and ruler in. I love these little beauties because you can open them and stand up the bag like a cup to hold everything upright while you sketch.
And that's a list of my favorites. Enjoy!